Computing
How Computing is taught at Arnot St Mary
Link to Computing long-term plan
At Arnot St Mary, we want every child to become a confident, creative and responsible user of technology. Our computing curriculum helps children understand how technology works, use it to solve problems and express ideas, and make informed choices in an increasingly digital world.
Computing lessons are delivered by a specialist computing teacher using the MGL curriculum. This provides a carefully sequenced approach that builds children’s knowledge and skills while embedding online safety and opportunities to explore current and emerging technologies. Children revisit important concepts and apply their understanding with increasing independence.
Our ambition is for children to see themselves as capable users and creators of technology, equipped for future learning, everyday life and the possibilities of a career in computing.
What children learn
Our curriculum brings together three closely connected areas:
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Computer science: understanding how digital systems work, creating and testing algorithms, programming, and finding and correcting errors.
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Information technology: using digital tools to create, organise, store, retrieve and present information, including text, images, sound and data.
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Digital literacy: choosing appropriate technology, evaluating digital information and using online spaces safely, respectfully and responsibly.
In the Early Years, children develop foundations through exploring technology, recognising patterns, following instructions and sequencing actions. As they move through school, they tackle increasingly complex tasks and learn to explain their choices and approaches.
Online safety and responsible use
Online safety is woven throughout our MGL curriculum and reinforced whenever children use technology. We help children understand that their words, actions and choices online can affect themselves and others.
Through teaching and age-appropriate discussion, children learn how to:
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Protect personal information and understand the importance of privacy.
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Communicate respectfully and recognise unkind or inappropriate behaviour.
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Consider whether online information is reliable.
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Make sensible choices about content, contact and sharing.
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Recognise when something feels worrying or unsafe and seek help from a trusted adult.
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Develop healthy habits around their use of technology.
These messages are revisited as children grow, reflecting their developing understanding and experiences.
How we teach computing
Our specialist computing teacher brings subject expertise to the planning and delivery of lessons, introducing new learning in manageable steps and modelling techniques clearly. Guided practice prepares children to apply their skills more independently through practical tasks and opportunities to design, create, test and improve their work.
Children are encouraged to think logically, work collaboratively and persevere when something does not work as expected. Finding and correcting errors is a valuable part of learning.
The specialist teacher checks understanding through questioning, observation and children’s digital work. Teaching is adapted through clear instructions, visual support, accessible tools and additional practice so that all children, including those with SEND, can participate and achieve.
Technology across the curriculum
Children use technology purposefully across different subjects to research, communicate, create and deepen their understanding. Alongside learning to use familiar tools confidently, they explore new technologies through age-appropriate activities within the MGL curriculum.
Our resources include iPads, Apple Mac desktops, Now Press Play headsets, BBC micro, Bee-Bots and green-screen technology. These provide opportunities to develop programming, digital storytelling, multimedia and problem-solving skills.
Enrichment in computing
Our after-school Computing Club gives children further opportunities to code, create and explore how technology shapes our lives. Children can develop their interests, collaborate on projects and discover new ways to use digital tools.
By the time children leave Arnot St Mary, we want them to approach technology with curiosity, confidence and sound judgement—ready to participate safely and positively in the digital world.
